With the increase in the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the recent extraordinary measures taken in Italy, more and more people fear becoming infected with this disease - even more so if they exhibit one of its characteristic symptoms. Although the chances of contracting the virus are high only if you have had close contact with someone infected or if you have stayed in an area particularly affected by the epidemic, in the event that you develop flu-like symptoms you may want to undergo the test approved by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, if you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus, contact your doctor immediately or call the dedicated toll-free numbers. If healthcare professionals come to the conclusion that there are risks, they will take appropriate measures in agreement with the relevant authorities.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Falling within the Criteria
Step 1. Check if you have a fever
Most people who tested positive for COVID-19 have had fever. The average body temperature is 37 ° C, although your normal temperature may be slightly higher or lower. The most accurate way to determine if you have a fever is to use a thermometer, but you can also look out for symptoms such as profuse sweating, chills, muscle aches, weakness or dehydration.
- If you are an adult and your temperature reaches or exceeds 39 ° C, contact your doctor.
- In the case of infants up to 3 months of age, call the pediatrician if the temperature reaches or exceeds 38 ° C, or 39 ° C if the baby is 6 to 24 months old.
- For children over 2 years of age, contact your doctor if the fever lasts more than 3 days or is accompanied by severe symptoms.
Step 2. Look for signs of respiratory infection
The most common symptoms of the coronavirus are cough and wheezing (breathlessness). Other symptoms can include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. However, keep in mind that all of these symptoms can have several other causes, so it's important not to panic if they appear.
Did you know that?
About 80% of COVID-19 cases are mild enough not to require any special medical treatment. However, if you are an elderly person or already have other conditions, such as heart problems, diabetes or high blood pressure, the risk of becoming seriously ill is higher.
Step 3. Assess if you have a high risk of contracting the virus
The most exposed people are those who live or have recently stayed in a high epidemiological risk area and / or have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of coronavirus. However, even if you do fall within these cases, if it's been 14 days since exposure and you haven't developed any symptoms it's unlikely that you are infected.
Currently (March 2020) the countries that have been hardest hit by COVID-19 are China, Italy, Iran and South Korea. In Italy, the most affected regions are Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and the Veneto
Step 4. Consider the possibility that it may be another disease
Just because you're sick doesn't necessarily mean you have coronavirus. If there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in your area and you haven't recently stayed in areas where the virus has spread, there's a good chance your malaise is attributable to the common flu or a cold.
For example, if a colleague of yours has tested positive for the flu, you are much more likely to have the flu too than the coronavirus
Step 5. Contact your doctor or call dedicated numbers if you think you have COVID-19
If you have respiratory symptoms and fever and you have reason to believe that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, do not go to the clinic or the emergency room, but call your GP, the regional toll-free number, the public utility number 1500 activated by the Ministry of Health or, in an emergency, 112. This will allow you to take steps to prevent other people from being infected and you will be able to receive instructions on how to proceed.
It will not be the general practitioner who carries out the test, but selected laboratories of the National Health Service
Part 2 of 2: Take the Test
Step 1. Follow the directions of your doctor or public health practitioner
If they believe that you are at risk, you will probably be asked to remain in home isolation and you will be assisted by the local health authority that will provide visits, symptom monitoring and tests.
- Keep in mind that it is not possible to carry out the test privately or independently: there are no do-it-yourself kits to buy at the pharmacy and private facilities are not authorized to carry out tests for the coronavirus. The standard procedure is that samples are taken by healthcare professionals and analyzed in the regional reference laboratory.
- Unless instructed otherwise, there are no special instructions to follow to prepare for this type of test.
Step 2. Let the healthcare professional run the swab
The main methods of collection for this test are nasopharyngeal (in the nose) and oropharyngeal (in the throat) swab. A cotton swab will be used to take biological material from the area; try to stay still as much as possible during the procedure.
The stick will need to be held in the back of the nose or throat for 5-10 seconds, which may be slightly annoying
Step 3. If requested, provide a sputum sample
If you have a productive cough, sputum may need to be collected: you will first need to rinse your mouth with water and then cough up a sample of mucus into a sterile collection vessel.
In rare cases, such as severe breathing difficulties, saline may be sprayed into the lungs to obtain a sputum sample. It is not a procedure commonly practiced on people who have only mild symptoms
Step 4. Wait for the test result
Once adequate samples have been collected, they will be sent to the laboratory for analysis; they will notify you as soon as the results are available. If successful, the diagnosis must be confirmed by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità.
Probably in the same sample traces of other viruses (for example that of the classic flu) will be sought to exclude other hypotheses
Step 5. Follow the recommended treatment plan if the test is positive
There is currently no specific therapy or cure for coronavirus. However, you may be prescribed supportive care to relieve symptoms and keep them from getting worse, so make sure you follow all directions carefully.
If your symptoms worsen (for example if you have serious breathing difficulties), you will be admitted to the hospital so that you can receive more intensive treatment
Step 6. Take precautions to avoid spreading the infection
If you are sick, do not leave the house and try to isolate yourself in a room to stay separated from any cohabitants. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze, then throw it away.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and disinfect the surfaces of the house to avoid spreading germs.
- If you are sick, wear a face mask to avoid infecting other people. However, if you are healthy, do not rely on the mask to avoid getting sick.
Attention:
Until more is known about COVID-19, avoid spending time with your pets if you are infected, in the event that the disease can be passed from people to animals.
